The Worthing (Houston, TX) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Chapel Hill (Tyler, TX) on Thursday, November 21, at 7:00 PM. The game will take place at Turner Stadium and is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, 4A Division 1 tournament.
Worthing vs Chapel Hill Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Worthing vs Chapel Hill
When: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D1
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Game preview: Worthing vs Chapel Hill
As the 2024-2025 Texas high school football season heats up, two standout teams are setting the stage for an exciting clash: Chapel Hill and Worthing. Both teams have made impressive runs this season, and the upcoming match promises to be a thrilling battle between two top-tier programs with contrasting strengths.
Chapel Hill: A Strong Contender
Chapel Hill (8-3 overall, 4-2 in district play) has displayed a solid mix of offensive firepower and resilience. The team has amassed 346 points on the season while allowing 254, with a winning percentage of .727 and a district win percentage of .667. Chapel Hill’s offensive scheme revolves around a balanced attack, averaging 289.2 rushing yards per game—led by standout running back Rickey Stewart, who boasts 139.5 rushing yards per game. The team also averages 108.5 passing yards per game, led by quarterback Malik Gee.
Chapel Hill’s scoring can often come in bursts, particularly in the second half, as they average 3.5 points in the first quarter, 1.8 in the second, and 10.5 in the final period, often surging late. Defensively, Chapel Hill is tough, averaging 88.1 tackles per game, with standout linebacker Trevor Brooks contributing 10.5 tackles per game. Chapel Hill’s most impressive stat is their ability to perform under pressure, with an unbeaten record of 5-0 in away games and a solid 2-3 at home.
Worthing: A Perfect Record
In contrast, Worthing has been nearly perfect this season, with an unblemished 11-0 record. They have dominated in both district (8-0) and non-district play (3-1). Worthing has been a scoring machine, accumulating 406 points while allowing only 76—a testament to their relentless offense and stingy defense. Their offense is potent across the board, with 151.7 rushing yards per game, led by Vashawn Smith, who averages 73.2 rushing yards per game. In addition, Smith is a dual threat, amassing 114.0 passing yards per game.
Worthing has displayed great consistency throughout the season, averaging 9.5 points in the first quarter, 11.8 in the second, and 9.3 in the third, finishing games with an average of 36.9 points. On the defensive side, Worthing averages 13.5 tackles per game and 0.8 sacks per game, with key players like Broderick Alexander contributing significantly. Worthing’s ability to maintain an undefeated streak, with a perfect 5-0 away record and 1-0 in neutral-site games, highlights their dominance in all aspects of the game.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Offensive Balance vs. Defensive Discipline: Chapel Hill’s ability to rack up rushing yards and control the clock could clash with Worthing’s ability to put up points early and often. Worthing’s defense, allowing only 6.91 points per game, will be put to the test against Chapel Hill’s diverse offense.
- Quarterback Play: Malik Gee’s passing game will need to overcome Worthing’s defense, while Worthing’s quarterback Vashawn Smith will look to maintain control with both his arm and legs.
- Key Players: Chapel Hill’s Rickey Stewart (139.5 rushing yards per game) and Worthing’s Vashawn Smith (187.2 total yards per game) will be critical in the matchup. The performance of these dynamic players could be the deciding factor in the game.
- Scoring Power: Chapel Hill’s scoring average of 29.8 points per game versus Worthing’s high-flying 36.9 points per game will be another key dynamic. Can Chapel Hill’s defense contain Worthing’s high-octane offense?
Head-to-Head History
While both teams have had strong seasons, they have not yet faced each other head-to-head, meaning this will be the first official meeting. Chapel Hill’s experience in tight games—especially their ability to win on the road—gives them confidence. However, Worthing’s flawless record and dominant margin of victory (406 points scored vs. 76 points allowed) give them an aura of invincibility as they head into the matchup.
Conclusion
With the 2024-2025 season winding down, this game between Chapel Hill and Worthing will undoubtedly be one for the books. Chapel Hill’s hard-hitting, balanced offense faces off against Worthing’s powerhouse attack and undefeated record. It’s an exciting collision of two elite teams—one looking to continue its dominant run, the other aiming to prove itself in the postseason spotlight.
The winner of this showdown will not only solidify its place in the state rankings but also serve notice to all teams as a force to be reckoned with in Texas high school football.